Porto step up efforts to secure Morelos

PORTO are upping the ante in their pursuit of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian, currently part of his nation’s squad at the Copa America, has emerged as the leading target to replace Moussa Marega at the Estadio do Dragao. Reports in Portugal now claim that outline personal terms have been agreed ahead of a possible move. Rangers, however, are expected to play hardball over a fee. The Ibrox club turned down around £16million from Lille during the French side’s protracted pursuit last summer. While the financial impact of Covid has continued to change the European market, Rangers will not sell the 25-year-old on the cheap. Morelos scored 17 goals last season and played a vital role as Steven Gerrard’s men secured the Premiership title without losing a league match. Rangers have already bolstered their attacking options for next season by signing Zambian international Fashion Sakala on a four-year pre-contract deal from Belgian club KV Oostende.

DEADLINE SET FOR RECONSTRUCTION PLAN THAT INCLUDES OLD FIRM COLTS

SPFL clubs have been asked to indicate by July 7 if they would support a formal vote on a reconstruction plan admitting Celtic and Rangers Colts to League Two the season after next. The 12-12-10-10 scheme, first revealed by Sportsmail in April, is the brainchild of Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson who, along with SFA vice-president Mike Mulraney and SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, spoke to clubs from all four divisions by Zoom yesterday. The plan would see the Championship expanded by two clubs with no relegation for one season. Two teams would be promoted from League One and League Two with the spaces in the bottom tier taken up by Celtic and Rangers Colts.